I think that the sub-title of this weekend should be Leaders' Weekend. The readings are directly aimed at anyone in a leadership position such as a parent or a supervisor, but especially leaders within the Church, from the Vatican and our local bishops to our catechists. There can be no passing of the buck here if one listens at all to what is said. We should all come to the Word and the Altar prepared to squirm!
The first reading from Jeremiah has many harsh accusations against the leaders: they have mislead, scattered, and not cared for their charges. The Lord says "I will take care to punish your evil deeds." This "woe to you" is strong stuff ! No one would seem prudent who decided to tangle with such Authority instead of listening and repenting.
The personal situation that my family has been in for the last three months makes this reading especially meaningful. Identifying "evil deeds" , although rightfully the Lord's job, spilled over into our laps. There was a great relieved sigh of "yes, justice" when the defendants pleaded guilty and there was no need to wrangle about who did what, etc. We felt the Lord's gentle hand. But there are related deeds by others that have not been addressed by the legal system, actions that misled, scattered, and did not provide care. This reading cries out to me... how will the Lord take charge here! The Lord said that He himself would gather the remnant and take care of them. I have no doubt that He will do as promised... but will my family be included as His instruments or will He choose another way? Yet, in this dilemma, there is still much comfort in believing that God has the last word.
The Gospel passage from Mark reminds all of us who do the Lord's work in whatever way we do it to MAKE the time to relax, refresh, and pray. We can not possibly be effective, even in little things, unless we do. Jesus's untiring effort to shepherd His people reflects the tension that discipleship vs. time for ourselves presents, however. It is an integral part of life and an inescapable one. When too busy, I long for a respite. When on vacation, I look for something to do.
As I struggle with this balance myself, I am reminded that the struggle acknowledges my dependence upon God. When will I ever learn that ! ? I won't ever get it all right ... without His help and in His way. Maybe by taking the time to pray and relax, I do teach a valuable lesson, one needed more at the time than the one I thought I should be teaching. Who knows? God knows. I just keep trying to pray and do, hopefully in balance.
(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)